Review: Sing Steph “A Love Transplant, Vol. 1”
We never know how the challenges that life throws our way are going to affect us. And something that I always admire about musicians is their ability to transform pain, love, angst, and general everyday struggles into something that is relatable to the masses and that can be thoroughly enjoyable. With that being said, let us get into my review of Sing Steph’s latest project, A Love Transplant, Vol. 1.
In the Intro track, Sing shares his literal experiences and sets the stage for what we are about to hear in the next four tracks. It could feel like being so direct and blunt is a gamble; there is a risk in saying things as they are without dressing them up in the song by using metaphor or simile. But I think this vulnerability is what is at the core of each song that Sing uses to tell his story. Each one is straightforward and you are not left guessing what he is trying to say.
Round n Round - The key and tone of the hook immediately stands out to me. Hooks like this pull you in and give a degree of intrigue that leaves you wanting to stick around to see just where he is going to take it. Would it change? Get better? Slow down? Lyrically, Sing touches on the common experience of courting his love interest who is giving him mixed signals. Ultimately, Sing ends the record on a sentiment that I cannot say many male R&B artists have sang about - “Ill stay to myself”. I would argue that we are usually lead into “new girl”, “party time”, or “please don't leave me” territory. So that was refreshing to hear.
7pm - This song begins in a romantic place, finding Sing getting ready for a night out with special lady. The interpolation of Usher’s “Nice & Slow” is a nice touch and gives the song a great foundation to build from. Sing paints a perfect interaction, singing his ladies praises and genuinely conveys the excitement that he feels for his woman. The harmonies here are great and Sing’s delivery is confident, giving us some great runs and ad-libs. The vocals blend so well, it is hard to tell them all apart (the featured artists here are Duane Smith & ParkerMusiq). The easy-breezy feel of the song sets this one as the enjoyable, uplifting record from the set.
Do U Mind? has Sing busting out the vulnerability guitar for a strum, laying it all out during this intimate moment that he is about to experience. Confessing just all the ways he appreciates his lady, he is not afraid to admit that he doesn't want to hold back his feelings and his uncertainty with going all the way here. Again, I can appreciate this male perspective because it is rare that a man talks about being in control of a relationship in such a way and that he too should appropriately evaluate what is going on between them two. The second song to have a feature on the project (the feature here is Desmond Parson), this was another solid vocal performance from both artists. The ad-libs are my favorite here and it was not until a few spins that I connected the dots from the prior songs; this is all one big story. That is pretty cool!
One Woman is the shortest record on the project and I find myself wondering what the inspiration was for this one. If I had to guess, it sounds like Sing finally understands what he needed to on his journey with love and now sees the connection between loving his one girl, as being the ultimate appreciation for all women. If that is an accurate assessment, I feel deep down that lyrically, he could have explored this facet of his new enlightenment a bit more. But who knows, maybe I have it all wrong.
My criticism of the project overall would be that in terms of lyricism, I cannot say that I ever quite felt that I got to hear the full weight from the experiences that were mentioned in the intro track. But maybe this is because these topics will be explored in future volumes? It does not mean that the music isn’t enjoyable and that the listener should look SOLELY to delve into the referenced subject matter in what you get to hear on the project. As far as criticism goes, I would say that it isn’t too bad.
What I enjoyed the most about this project was I could really tell and HEAR, just how much Sing wanted to share what was on his heart and mind. The vocals are clear and the harmonies are done very well too. I hope you give “A Love Transplant, Vol. 1” a listen. I like how the record just feels relatable and the pictures he paints are vivid. This is some great R&B from a male artist that is free of excessive flexing, arrogance, or overt sexual references. The overall feel of the album is grown, sexy, and Sing coats each record with a soulful, throwback vibe that no doubt will connect with R&B fans who follow the genre across all styles.
